Description

The Giro Empire E70 Knit Road Shoe brings knit upper technology to the world of cycling. Providing unmatched breathability and comfort, this shoe features a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment that adds water resistance for further protection. With a traditional lace-up closure and a modern fit and finish, these shoes walk the line between the past and the present, while providing future-proof performance.

Starting with the Xnetic™ Knit, the upper of this shoe brings knit fabric to the world of high-performance cycling shoes. An internal TPU skeletal system provides the rigid structure on which the highly breathable knit fabric wraps around. This knit offers the perfect balance between suppleness, breathability, ventilation, and protection. Outside, TPU reinforcements are added to the toe and heel to provide enhanced resistance and durability.

Size Chart

This size chart provides our best estimate for which European shoe size to choose based on your US shoe size. This will not necessarily match the US size shown on the product, but it is the best guidance we can provide for this particular brand.

If we've noticed that any particular model deviates from the standardized chart, we will list this information in the product description.

There are many things to love about the Empire Knit Shoe and one issue that should be addressed by Giro with the next redesign.

I have a fairly wide fore and midfoot, but narrow heel (nobody is perfect) and despite the reputation of Giro shoes as narrow, these fit very well. The Knit material is far more forgiving than the most common synthetic materials used in cycling shoes these days. It is almost akin to natural leather, with the added bonus of all the extra ventilation. It stretch and confirm to the shape of foot and so far, I have not experienced. The heel is good and I have not experience any lift. My other shoe (Specialized S-Work 6, both in 46) has a roamer toe box (although it feels narrower as there is very little give) and a far more secure heel cup.

I also love the lace, although, unless you are a true acrobat, you cannot adjust on the fly.

The one thing that can be better is the sole. The EC70 sole is good, but not outstanding and compared to my S-Work, it feels like a wet noodle. I hope Giro will decide to use a stiffer one in the future.

On the road, or as I am using this shoe, indoors on the trainer, it is super comfortable. The knit material is supremely breathable and I have to yet to experienced, hotspots, hot foot or sweating.

Been a big fan of the Giro Empire series ever since they were first released. Own the original, ACC, SLX, and now E70. They fit well with a roomy toe box and I like the laces which allow more customization for fitment depending on the ride.

Pros These are the most comfortable of the series in my opinion due to the softer knit uppers. They are also more breathable which will be nice for warmer weather conditions.

Cons Not sure how they would feel once the weather gets colder - toes may get too chilly and numb. I feel like the sole has more flex in it compared to the SLX and ACC when putting down hard efforts, but it's certainly no slouch.

With the softer stretchy uppers, slightly more flexible soles, and great breathability, I think the E70's are the perfect shoe for longer rides (centuries, double centuries, brevets, randonneurs, etc) in warmer weather. Lastly, I love the rad styling, especially in the multi-color!

I am familiar with Giro shoe products. The E70 seems to fit a bit more snug but is still extremely comfortable. I prefer lace-up shoes to strap and buckle, they are more comfortable. A very solid sole when pedaling. I also like the look of the mesh. I wear an 11US size and the Euro45 fits well.

I wore Sidi only for 10 years because they felt great. Two years ago they started to hurt my feet. I tried at least half a dozen pair of new shoes various brands since , and none were pain free . These have been the best, better than some costing twice as much. The soft top makes a big difference for me. I use the carbon SuperFeet insoles with these and they got great.